The Maldives has formally handed over 25,000 cases of canned tuna to Sri Lanka as part of its humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The consignment was presented on Friday by the Maldivian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, to Brigadier Roshan Dharmawickrema, Director of Operations at Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). The shipment, transported in 14 containers aboard the Maldives State Shipping vessel, arrived at Colombo Port earlier in the day.

The donation is part of the Maldivian Government’s relief package, which also includes USD 50,000 in financial assistance. Officials noted that the gesture reflects the long-standing friendship and solidarity between the two nations, particularly during one of Sri Lanka’s worst natural disasters since the 2004 tsunami.

In addition to Government aid, nationwide support in the Maldives was mobilised through the Ceylon Aa Eku Dhiveheen telethon, which raised over USD 800,000. The funds have since been handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to Sri Lankan authorities.

According to Sri Lankan officials, Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread destruction resulting in at least 479 deaths, 350 people missing, and more than 1.2 million people affected.